Key Highlights
- Erika Kinsey, a Grade 5 student, chose Angela James for a school project on influential figures in history.
- A unique skills clinic hosted by the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition celebrated James’ career with girls hockey players from Toronto’s Greater Golden Area (GTA).
- Angela James, one of the first superstars of modern women’s hockey, was honored at the event for her contributions to growing the game.
- The clinic concluded with a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and a chance to watch an NHL game.
New Generation Honors Angela James: A Legacy in Women’s Sports
TORONTO — As Erika Kinsey, a Grade 5 student at a Toronto-area school, pondered her assignment on “a big person in history,” she chose someone who had already changed the course of women’s sports. Her choice was no coincidence; Angela James, a Hockey Hall of Famer and one of the game’s trailblazers, inspired Kinsey and others like her to pursue their dreams.
Fast forward to December 15, 2025, when 26 elite girls hockey players from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) gathered at Coca-Cola Coliseum for a unique skills clinic hosted by the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition. The event was designed not only to showcase the talents of these young athletes but also to pay homage to James and her enduring impact on women’s sports.
A Dream Come True: Celebrating Future Stars
Participants like Erika Kinsey, now 14 years old, expressed their excitement at spending a few hours with legendary figures such as James, former U.S. Olympic star Meghan Duggan (now the director of player development for the New Jersey Devils), and NHL veterans Anthony Stewart and Anson Carter. For these girls, all from diverse backgrounds, the opportunity to interact with Hall of Famers was not just an honor but a dream come true.
“To be out there with Angela James, it was really, really exciting,” Kinsey said. “And it’s amazing just seeing all the girls come out, different races, different ages, and everyone just hanging out and coming out and playing together.” Kinsey’s words reflect the spirit of inclusivity that permeates this event.
A Trailblazer Reflects on Her Legacy
James, now 60 years old, was moved by the diverse group of girls around her. She reflected on how far hockey had come: “When Anson and Stewart allowed me to talk to the girls and I’m looking at them, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Never in my life would I have imagined that all of these girls with diverse backgrounds would be standing in front of me on the ice like that,'” she said. “And they’re all so talented.”
James added, “I don’t think I’d have ever imagined it. I have kids to keep me humble.
Besides, growing up there weren’t a lot of people around to give you confidence in this world, never mind where you belong.” Her reflections underscore the significance of events like these for young athletes and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Anthony Stewart, a member of the Player Inclusion Coalition, echoed James’s sentiments. “When you think about our group, the inclusion and the diversity, it’s not just about black, white, brown,” he said. “It’s girls. It’s boys. It doesn’t matter about your sexuality.
It’s about making the game as inclusive as possible, and to see all the girls of color out here, it’s amazing.”
James’ legacy is one of perseverance and dedication to growth in women’s hockey. Her induction into both the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame serves as a testament to her contributions. The event at Coca-Cola Coliseum was more than just a clinic; it was a celebration of progress, inclusivity, and the future of women’s sports.
A Day in Review: From Skills Clinic to Hall of Fame
After the clinic concluded, the girls boarded a bus for a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame. There, they viewed artifacts related to James’ illustrious career and prepared for their final activity—a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; TSN4, CHSN).
The day was filled with learning, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the legacy of Angela James. For many of these young athletes, it marked not just a day but a step forward in their journey to become future stars of women’s hockey.
As Kinsey put it, “To have a beautiful session like today and to know someone wants to know about your lifestyle and your influences and that you inspire them, it’s just so special.” The event was more than a clinic; it was a celebration of the past, present, and future of women’s hockey.